Shoney's Breakfast Buffet offers a hearty selection featuring fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, golden waffles, and fresh seasonal fruit, all presented in an inviting, colorful array perfect for a satisfying morning feast.
Equipments
- Chafing dishes
- Serving tongs
- Buffet warming trays
- Waffle maker
- Fruit display bowls/trays
- Spatulas
- Serving utensils
- Plate dispensers
- Coffee urns
- Juice dispensers
- Heat lamps
- Food pans
- Sneeze guard
- Cutting boards
- Buffet tables
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 lb (450g) thick-cut bacon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs (for waffles)
- 1 3/4 cups whole milk (for waffles)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (for waffles)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries
- Fresh blueberries
- Fresh melon (such as cantaloupe or honeydew)
- Fresh pineapple
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like large eggs and thick-cut bacon to ensure the best flavor and texture in your breakfast dishes. Pay close attention to measurements for baked items such as waffles, where proper ratios of flour, milk, and leavening agents like baking powder are essential for fluffiness. When preparing scrambled eggs, incorporating whole milk and unsalted butter creates a creamy consistency. Fresh seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, melon, and pineapple must be washed and displayed attractively to maintain their freshness and appeal. Your Shoney's Breakfast Buffet copycat menu will impress guests with its vibrant, well-balanced variety that mirrors the original hearty experience.
Instructions
- **Instructions:**
- Preheat buffet warming trays, chafing dishes, and heat lamps.
- Cook thick-cut bacon on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) until crispy; drain on paper towels and transfer to chafing dish.
- Whisk together 12 large eggs, 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet; scramble eggs until just set. Keep warm in a food pan under heat lamp or chafing dish.
- Preheat waffle maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- In another bowl, whisk 2 eggs, 1 3/4 cups milk, 1/3 cup melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry waffle mix ingredients; stir until just combined.
- Pour batter into waffle maker; cook until golden brown. Transfer waffles to a warming tray.
- Wash, peel, and slice fresh melon, pineapple, and strawberries; place with blueberries in display bowls/trays.
- Set up buffet tables with sneeze guard, plate dispensers, and all food in chafing dishes or warming trays.
- Place serving utensils, tongs, and spatulas near each dish.
- Set up coffee urns and juice dispensers for beverages.
- Monitor food temperature and replenish as needed throughout service.
Substitution
Shoney's Breakfast Buffet copycat menu showcases a delightful variety of fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, golden waffles, and fresh seasonal fruit, replicating the classic hearty breakfast experience. If you lack a waffle maker, consider baking pancakes or French toast as an alternative to maintain that warm, comforting feeling. When fresh fruit is unavailable, frozen fruit can be thawed and served, though it may alter texture and flavor slightly. You can substitute thick-cut bacon with turkey bacon or sausage if dietary preferences require it. Use heat lamps and buffet warming trays to keep all items at optimal serving temperatures throughout your meal.
Tips
Ensure all warming trays and chafing dishes are preheated before placing food inside to maintain safe serving temperatures and prevent cold spots. When scrambling eggs, cook them gently over low heat and remove from heat as soon as they are set to avoid dryness. For waffles, mix the batter until just combined to keep them light and fluffy, as overmixing can cause toughness. You should arrange fresh fruit in clean, chilled bowls and replenish frequently to keep it vibrant and safe for guests.
Nutritions
Shoney's Breakfast Buffet provides a nutritious balance with high-quality protein from 12 large eggs and 1 lb of thick-cut bacon, essential for muscle repair and energy. The waffles, made from all-purpose flour, whole milk, and eggs, offer carbohydrates and calcium for sustained energy and bone health. Fresh seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, melon, and pineapple contribute antioxidants, vitamins, and hydration to support your immune system. Your meal includes a variety of macronutrients and micronutrients, promoting a well-rounded and satisfying breakfast experience.
Storage
Store cooked bacon and scrambled eggs in chafing dishes with heat lamps or buffet warming trays to maintain safe serving temperatures above 140degF (60degC). Waffles should be kept warm and slightly crisp on a warming tray under a heat lamp to prevent sogginess. Fresh fruit displays are best kept chilled in bowls placed over ice or refrigerated before service to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage--ensure your buffet layout allows you to monitor temperature and replenish items promptly.
Variation or Alternatives
To add variety to your breakfast buffet, consider swapping thick-cut bacon with turkey bacon or sausage links for a leaner protein option. You can enhance scrambled eggs by folding in sauteed mushrooms, spinach, or shredded cheese just before serving to boost flavor and nutrition. Try substituting buttermilk for whole milk in the waffle batter to achieve extra fluffy and tender waffles with a slight tang. To keep fruit fresh longer, sprinkle a little lemon juice over cut pieces to prevent browning and maintain vibrant color in your display trays.
Allergies
Your Shoney's Breakfast Buffet includes common allergens such as eggs, milk, and wheat, which can trigger reactions in individuals with allergies to these ingredients. The presence of dairy in the form of whole milk and butter, along with gluten from all-purpose flour, may cause issues for those with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. Always verify with the staff about ingredient substitutions if you have specific food allergies.
Why this recipe?
Shoney's Breakfast Buffet menu attracts guests with its wide variety of fresh and classic breakfast options, including fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and made-to-order omelets. The affordable pricing combined with generous portion sizes offers excellent value for individuals and families seeking a satisfying meal. You'll find replicating this favorite at home rewarding due to its customizable nature and comforting flavors that appeal to all ages. Mastering a Shoney's copycat recipe allows you to bring the same hearty, crowd-pleasing experience to your own kitchen anytime.